UWE student wins top art prize

Issue date: 21 April 2010

A student from the University of the West of England has won the national final of Art of Nurture, a prestigious art competition organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance. The winning work by third year Illustration student, Gaby Selby, will be used in an advertising campaign for the bank.

UWE students have a great track record in this competition with winners in the national top three for the past four years.

Over 500 entries were whittled down to 18 finalists after six regional heats were held at prominent art galleries across England and Scotland during March and April.

As well as the opportunity to see his work used in an international advertising campaign, Gaby will also have the opportunity to take a paid work placement at a top UK creative agency.

Gaby hopes to stay in Bristol and work as an illustration freelance after he graduates this summer, he said, “I'm delighted to have won, especially since the quality of the other entries was so high. Art of Nurture is a really respected competition and having this accolade will look fantastic in my portfolio.

“I am very excited to see my work used in the advertising campaign and the combination of this and the work placement will really help boost my career.”

Christine Hill, Award Leader for UWE's Illustration programme, said, “It is wonderful news that Gaby has won this prestigious prize. Students from the Illustration programme at UWE have done very well in the Lloyds/TSB Art of Nurture prize over the years. The University continues to attract top calibre students and this speaks volumes for the quality of the course we offer. Everyone is delighted for Gaby – it is tough making your mark in this competitive arena. We always seek to encourage students to take part in competitions because the opportunity to work to a real creative brief is invaluable.”

Gaby's work was selected by a panel of esteemed judges including Dr Charles Saumarez Smith CBE, from the Royal Academy of Arts, Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business and distinguished illustrator Brian Grimwood. Brian is one of Europe's most credited and influential illustrators and his work has been used in magazines and advertising campaigns across the world.

Simon Featherstone, managing director of Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, said: “This year's competition has been a huge success and I have been very impressed with the high standard of entries. The judges faced a tough decision but it is testament to Gaby's work that he has won. The judges felt that the artwork was well drawn and put across the message of Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance working together in harmony.

“Art of Nurture is a huge opportunity for anyone wanting to pursue a career in art and design as it shows they are able to accurately follow a brief and produce professional work. Through Lloyds TSB Commercial Finances' advertising campaign, Gaby will now be able to showcase his work in a real-world commercial environment.”

Last year's winner Olga Grotova, an up-and-coming artist, feels the Art of Nurture win boosted her confidence as an artist. She said: “Winning the competition last year has looked fantastic in my portfolio and my career has really benefitted from the award.

“It is a highly respected competition in the student art world and it is great Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance do so much to help out the young talent in this country.”

Long standing supporters, Arts & Business, a national charity dedicated to encouraging new and sustainable arts and business relationships have been involved throughout the competition, with area directors of the charity acting as judges during the regional and national finals.

Bringing together the arts and business worlds and encouraging students to work from a commercial brief, the competition has built up a strong following amongst art colleges and universities across the country.

Colin Tweedy, chief executive for Arts & Business, said: “Arts & Business is delighted to have worked with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance on the Art of Nurture prize for the last four years. The competition is a superb example of the imaginative partnerships possible between culture and commerce. This year's finalists are once again of an excellent standard and we are proud to be working with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance to support the creative industries and the wealth of emerging talent in the UK today.”